Skincare Review: Lancôme Génifique

Lancôme‘s Génifique is the brand’s latest anti-aging product. The media attention to it surrounds Lancôme’s references to studies of genomics (the study of genes) and proteomics (the study of proteins).

According to Lancôme, various proteins and genes were studied and the proteins that are related to the appearance of youthful skin were identified. The formula of Génefique is claimed to stimulate the activity of genes and the production of proteins that are associated with youthful skin.

One ingredient in question is salicyloyl phytosphingosine, which combines the benefits of salicylic acid and phytosphingosine. One paper published in International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2007 (see abstract here) suggests that salicyloyl phytosphingosine is shown to reduce wrinkle depth and improve skin texture. Also, according to Paula Begoun, phytosphingosine may be a cell-communicating agent. (For more about cell-communicating agent, see this article by Paula Begoun.)

It is a very lightweight watery serum which is faintly scented. It is used after cleansing and toning and before any moisturizer.

Génifique has a relatively short ingredient list.

It is essentially salicyloyl phytosphingosine that the product is about, and it doesn’t come with a host of gimmicks. (Nearly all the other ingredients are fairly standard ones often found in other skincare products.)

However, one major drawback of Génifique is the amount of alcohol it has. It is fourth on the ingredient list (after glycerine and before dimethicone),

and it is somewhat easily detected by smell (which is usually not a good sign). Unfortunately, this can negate the possible skin-friendly benefits of this product, as alcohol (especially with such an amount) can be drying or irritating for the skin as well as causing free-radical damage. Those who can’t tolerate products with alcohol are most likely to find Génifique unusable.

If alcohol were left out of this product or kept to the absolute minimum, this could be a good product suitable for nearly all skin types. I would be interested to see if Lancôme will extend Génifique into a range of products and to look through the ingredients in each product.

i tried this out one day while in store freelancing, and the texture leaves the skin feeling very weird… almost a dry stickiness. i believe your assessment on the alcohol levels and drying of the skin are probably right, because it did not even feel pleasant on the back of my hand!

I see. I think the alcohol certainly has a lot to do with the fact that the product dries out very fast on the back of the hand. It doesn’t leave any stickiness on the back of my hand. Instead, I presume the smoothness mainly comes from dimethicone (silicone).

Hi PJ! I treid the serum unfortunately on my own skin as it was sent to me from LANCOME directly (sometimes it is nice beeing a blogger). First day was fine, after the second day I got serious break-out. It is said to be suitable for every skin type, mine is sensible and prone to acne.I should have knwon better… Alcohol ist not the worst thing when I think it is in all organic products I use, it depends how it is formulated.

My skin is also quite sensitive and I find that skincare items with alcohol as one of the main ingredients don’t really suit me.

My product sample was also sent from Lancôme. (My articles with titles including the word “review” are articles on products provided by beauty companies. Please refer to the disclosure statement at the end of my blog page.)

I tried this product after picking up a sample when I bought my foundation. I never imagined to see any results or changes. I’ve tried and used it all.I get samples all the time and usually cant tell one from the other.It was amazing. After a few days,yes a few days of wearing my skin plumped up and looked so much nicer. I want to bathe in it. I noticed I was getting loose, lumpy old lady skin around my chin and lips from my cheeks sagging. Well it plumped that skin back up. I’m sold. I don’t usually buy anything that is not a prescription. i believe every product is a successful as its marketing budget. I just tried it-saw results

It is good that this product is working for you, although I am not sure whether every product is as successful as its marketing budget, which you suggested. I believe that it is all down to the ingredients, not the advertising campaign or the money invested in it. In this case, if alcohol had been left out of the formula, the product would have been more successful.